Wikis in Plain English (commoncraft.com, 2007)


Cross-Curricular NDN Cooperative Learning Project

Port Neches-Groves High School, Port Neches, TX

(Please Checkout and Participate in the Discussion Page)

Purpose: The purpose of this space is to develop a cross curricular learning project or unit that:


  • Targets our CIP related to improving our Science and Math TAKS scores & Technology Application integration;
  • Includes vertically and horizontally aligned cross curriculum objectives;
  • Applies Technology Application TEKS & TEKS of participating courses;
  • Establishes an active student, teacher, and administrative co-learning community; and
  • Strives to improve Texas Star Chart ratings.

Members:

  1. Traci Ewing
    • Communication Applications Teacher - Grades 9-12 primarily 9th grade
    • CATE- Family and Consumer Science Teacher - Grades 9-12
    • FCCLA Advisor
  2. Darlene Low
  • Industrial Career & Technology Coordinator - 11th & 12th
  • Careers - 9th grade
  • Business Support Systems - 9-11 grades
  • SkillsUSA Advisor
3. Laura Shipman
  • Business Teacher-Keyboarding-9th-10th
  • CATE-BCIS I-10th-12th
  • UIL Computer Applications Coach
4. Brenda Duhon
  • PNG ISD Technology Coordinator
  • Staff Development and Testing Coordinator

5. Ruthie Wolfe
  • Business Teacher-Keyboarding
  • CATE Teacher-Computer Science and Accounting
  • UIL Computer Science and Accounting
  • Cheerleader Sponsor
6. Doneane Beckcom
  • Assistant Band Director
  • Grades 9 - 12, PNGHS
  • Grades 6 - 8, PNMS

7. Crystal Werkeiser
  • Biology Teacher -9th Grade
  • JV Soccer
8. Marc Keith
  • Principal Port Neches-Groves High School
9. Julie Broussard
  • Alegebra 1 - Grades 9-12
  • Geometry - Grades 9-12
10. Laura Wilson
  • Biology 1 - Grade - 9

Basic Idea:

I have been participating in the Lamar Academic Partnership. The courses in this program have challenged several teachers on our campus, including myself, to update our approach to teaching and learning. I personally, realized that as a Communication Applications teacher, I have the perfect situation to utilize multiple communication and collaborative opportunities. I spoke with Crystal Werkeiser concerning TAKS science scores and areas that need improvement. The areas that she suggested were in the fields of DNA and genetics. She also forwarded a list of other areas that need some extra attention. What I would like to do is establish a learning community of students, teachers and administrators that work together to create impressive presentations to be used as learning tools in several curriculum areas.

Idea Expansion:

Laura met with Julie earlier this week and explained what we were doing. Essential, Julie did not want to be left behind. So our idea has now expanded to include math objectives.

Target Biology TEKS:
Target Algebra TEKS:
Target Geometry TEKS:

Suggestions:

  • Group Wikispaces to coordinate the data
  • Offer several project topics and allow students to chose the topic they wish to participate
  • Communication students prepare the oral presentations and organize research
  • All students research sources and attach them to the wikispace
  • The wikispace would be the final project
  • It could include powerpoint presentations
  • Video clips
  • Student recorded podcast of the presentation
  • Lab demonstrations
  • band could provide music
  • Study possible careers
  • Marketing our project

What do you think?

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."

According to all of the data I have seen (Star Chart, AEIS Report,and our CIP) we have some areas that we can improve upon. Do you think that this could be a fun new approach to teaching and learning?

Comments:


Traci: I think it would be exciting, but it is another one of my crazy ideas.

Laura: I am all for it. I am one of four BCIS teachers on campus. I would love to particpate in some way. Let's get the show on the road!

Ruthie: I agree that this is all exciting, but still getting my feet wet. Please include me in any way.

Darlene: Yes this can be fun. I am currently overwhelmed by this class, however as I am feeling my way along I am having a blast learning how to do this. It is exciting each time I learn something new.

Doneane: YES! The more I get into learning how to use this tech tool, the more ways I am finding to use it, even in a music classroom. I have come up with all sorts of ideas that I want to use this coming school year to motivate the kids, everything from connecting on a blog (which I have already done with some of my students) to showing youtube videos I can find of other bands/orchestras/etc. performing the music we seek to perform. Even though I teach music, I would like to participate in this project, so count me in!

Invitation:

If you are interested in joining this learning adventure join this space and share your ideas. I would love to be ready to start this project this upcoming semester. I look forward to working together.

Traci